Sanitary conduit support systems

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for supporting conduits within a sanitary environment. Some supports are configured so as to avoid the formation of surfaces that might collect dust, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. when installed. In one embodiment, the support includes a pair of opposing support members that may be releasably and sealingly secured together. The upper support member may have a substantially uninterrupted convex surface that has a desired texture. The lower support member may be sized and shaped such that no portion thereof protrudes outwardly beyond the upper member to form any surfaces, pockets, etc. wherein dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. may accumulate. A seal or grommet may be employed to establish a seal between the conduit and support to prevent the infiltration of dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc., between the conduit and the conduit support. The fasteners employed to couple the first and second support members together may be dimensioned so that their outer edges do not protrude laterally beyond the outer surface of the upper support member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application for patent is a divisional patentapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/931,837, filed Sep.1, 2004 now U.S .Pat. No. 7,195,038, which is a divisional patentapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/464,196, filed Jun.18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,607, the disclosures of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The subject invention relates to sanitary support systems and methodsand, more particularly, to devices and methods for supporting pipes andother conduits typically within a sanitary environment.

2. Description of the Invention Background

Conduit supports, or pipe hangers and clamps, are well known andcommonly used to support and hang pipes from support structures such asceilings, joists or rafters of buildings. Typically several supports orhangers are employed along a stretch of conduit to suspend the conduitfrom the support structure. These pipe hangers are primarily secured tothe support structure and then attached to the pipe to support the pipein a desired orientation.

Over the years, many improvements, devices and methods for supportingconduits have been made. Many pipe hanger designs focused on theefficiency and simplicity of utilizing the pipe hanger when employingthe hanger in a desired orientation. Others allowed for pipe expansionand/or vibration due to the materials carried within the pipe itself.Another focus of improvements involved creating a versatile pipe hangerthat could accommodate a large variety of pipes, or a large number ofpipes with a single hanger. Although many of these pipe hangers arestill employed, there remains a need for a pipe hanger that, among otherthings, accommodates the requirements of the surrounding environment,such as those peculiar to sanitary environments.

Prior methods of insulating techniques have been used in connection withpiping systems. Those methods, however, do not serve to cover the hangerleaving it exposed to trap dirt and debris.

Environments where sanitary conditions must be maintained may involvemanufacturing operations wherein cleanliness is critical, such as whenhandling foodstuffs, medicinal preparations or electronic componentsthat may be easily contaminated or damaged by errant dust, dirt, debris,etc. Such sanitary environments often have within the confines of thesanitary area, piping and conduits for delivering materials toworkstations or other assembly type areas. By preventing areas in whicherrant dust, dirt, debris, etc. can accumulate, the possibility that themanufactured goods may become contaminated will be minimized.

The ability to maintain a sanitary environment can be critical tomaintaining successful manufacturing and handling operations. Thus,there is a need for conduit supports and methods to position a pipe orother conduit in a desired orientation while preventing the accumulationof errant dust, dirt, debris, etc. Further, a need also exists for aconduit support that can be conveniently cleaned and made suitable for anew process requiring complete elimination of errant matter. As well, aconduit support for use with a new method of insulation is desirable,which is made possible with the present invention. These are just someof the needs addressed by various embodiments of the subject invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a conduit support. In one embodiment, the conduit support mayinclude a first member having a first conduit-receiving area therein. Inaddition, the conduit support may include a second member releasablycoupled to the first member and having a substantially uninterruptedconvex shaped upper surface. The second member may have a secondconduit-receiving area that cooperates with the first conduit-receivingarea to establish a conduit area in the conduit support when the firstand second members are coupled to each other. The first member may besized and shaped relative to the second member such that no portion ofthe first member protrudes laterally beyond the upper surface of thesecond member when the first and second members are coupled together. Atleast one fastener may be employed to couple the first and secondmembers together. The fasteners may be dimensioned so that no portion ofa fastener protrudes laterally beyond the upper surface of the conduitsupport to avoid the formation of surfaces which may accumulate dust ordebris. The first and second members may be configured to engage theconduit in a sealing arrangement either alone or with the implementationof a grommet or seal in a conduit area of the conduit support. A supportmember may be attached to a portion of the conduit support for attachingthe conduit support to a support structure (i.e., beam, rafter, ceiling,wall, etc.).

Another embodiment of the present invention may generally have the sameconstruction as the first embodiment described above, except that inthis embodiment, the first and second members may be coupled together bya hinge such that one portion can pivot to an open position relative toanother portion. In this embodiment, only one fastener may be necessaryto secure the first and second members together.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise an apparatusfor supporting a plurality of conduits in a stacked orientation. Theapparatus may include a plurality of conduit supports that may becoupled together by interconnecting threaded rods or the like, althoughother means of securing them together are possible. Theseinterconnections between the conduit supports may engage one another ina sealing arrangement to further certain objectives of the presentinvention. The stacked arrangement of conduit supports may employ asupport member to secure the conduit supports to a supporting structure.

A further embodiment of the present invention comprises a conduitsupport that may be secured to a support structure by a telescopingsupport member. The conduit support may be secured to the telescopingsupport member in a variety of manners. One such manner may be with afastener positioned through the conduit support into the telescopingmember, while another manner may contemplate a threaded engagementbetween the conduit support and the telescoping support member.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise an apparatusfor supporting conduits relative to a support structure and may includean elongated support member which is attached to the support structure.The apparatus may further include a first conduit support coupled to theelongated support member and a second conduit support coupled to thefirst conduit support. The first and second conduit supports may beconfigured so as to avoid surfaces that might collect dust or debris.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise an apparatusfor supporting a plurality of conduits in a linear orientation. Theapparatus may include a plurality of conduit supports that are coupledto a common elongated support member by interconnecting threaded rods,although other means of securing them to the elongated support memberare possible. These interconnections between the conduit supports andthe elongated support member may be established such that a seal iscreated therebetween.

Another embodiment of the present invention may include a method ofsupporting one or more conduit in a sanitary environment. The method mayinclude suspending a conduit support of the present invention from asupport structure such that there are substantially no surfaces and/orrecesses wherein contaminants may be able to accumulate due to gravity,and supporting a portion of conduit therein.

Another embodiment of the present invention may include a method ofinsulating one or more conduit supports that are supporting pipes in asanitary environment. The method may include affixing a support memberto the conduit support of the present invention and suspending thesupport member from a support structure such that no surfaces and/orrecesses are created wherein contaminants may be able to accumulate dueto gravity or otherwise be able to infiltrate between members of theconduit support. The method may further include surrounding the entireconduit support and the conduit with insulation such that the insulationis separated about a single seam located generally about the outercircumference of the conduit support.

Accordingly, the present invention provides solutions to theshortcomings of prior devices and methods for supporting conduits. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate, however, thatthese and other details, features and advantages will become furtherapparent as the following detailed description of the embodimentsproceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying Figures, there are shown present embodiments of theinvention wherein like reference numerals are employed to designate likeparts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a conduit support ofthe present invention supporting a conventional conduit, which is shownin shadow lines;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the conduit support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a portion of a fastener arrangementemployed in the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit support depicted in FIG.2 taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of a conduit support of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the conduit support depictedin FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of a conduit support of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the conduit support depictedin FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conduit supportof the present invention showing a plurality of individual conduitsupports in a stacked orientation;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the conduit support of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit support depicted inFIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conduit supportof the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the conduit support of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit support depicted inFIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conduit supportof the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the conduit support of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit support depicted inFIG. 15 taken along line 16-16 in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conduit supportof the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the conduit support depicted in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the conduit support of FIG. 17 attached to asupport structure such as a ceiling;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conduit supportof the present invention showing a plurality of conduit supports, whichare shown in shadow lines, at varying angles and spaced relationships toeach other;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conduit supportof the present invention showing a plurality of conduit supportssupporting conduits;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the conduit support of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the conduit support depicted in FIG. 21attached to a support structure such as a vertical wall;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the conduitsupport of the present invention supporting a conventional conduit,which is shown in shadow lines;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the conduit support of FIG. 24;

FIG. 25A is an enlarged view of a portion of a fastener arrangementemployed in the embodiment of FIG. 25;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the conduit support depicted inFIG. 25 taken along line 26-26 in FIG. 25;

FIG. 26A is an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 26; and

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the presentinvention wherein insulation is employed to encapsulate a conduitsupport of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings for the purposes of illustratingembodiments of the invention only and not for the purposes of limitingthe same, FIGS. 1-3A illustrate one embodiment of the present inventionwhich comprises a conduit support 10 for supporting a conduit 101relative to a support structure 100. In one embodiment, conduit support10 may include a lower or “first” member 12 that has a “first”conduit-receiving area 13 formed therein and an upper or second member14 that has a second conduit-receiving area 15 formed therein. Theconduit support 10 may be secured to support structures 100, such as aceiling, joists, rafters, etc. by a vertically extending support member16 that may in turn be coupled to the second member 14 by way of threadson a threaded end 36 or other suitable fastening arrangements such as,for example, weldments. Support member 16 may be constructed in avariety of manners, shapes and configurations as dictated by thesurrounding environment.

The second member 14 may be removably attached to the first member 12by, for example, one or more threaded fasteners 22. In one embodiment,fasteners 22 may extend through bores 20 in the first member 12 toengage threaded holes 21 in first member 12. In one embodiment, threadedfasteners 22 may have “acorn” heads to avoid the formation of laterallyextending surfaces that may trap or accumulate dust and debris orotherwise complicate cleaning of the conduit support 10 when it isoriented as shown in FIG. 3. A gasket 17 may be provided between thefirst member 12 and the second member 14 to prevent accumulation orinfiltration of dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. in bores 22, whichmay provide a substantially uninterrupted surface between the firstmember 12 and the second member 14. Gasket 17 may be fabricated fromrubber, Silicone, Nitrile, Buna N, or other suitable material that maybe particularly compatible with the characteristics of the fluid passingthrough the conduit 101, such as the temperature of the fluid, and/orthe sanitary environment in which the conduit support 10 is used. Gasket17 may also serve to create a seal between the first member 12 and thesecond member 14 to avoid the formation of recesses, small pockets,gaps, etc. between these members which could accumulate dust, debris,cleaning fluids, etc., allowing the surfaces of first member 12 andsecond member 14 to abut one another in a substantially uninterruptedfashion. Further, a conventional silicone sealing compound, or the like,may be used to further assist in sealing the first member 12 and thesecond member 14 in combination with gasket 17. In other embodiments,gasket 17 may be omitted and sealant employed to achieve a seal betweenthe first member 12 and the second member 14.

In one embodiment, the first member 12 may be shaped and sized relativeto the second member 14 such that when attached to the second member 14,no portion of the first member 12 forms a surface or area which couldpermit the accumulation of dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. thereon,otherwise forming a substantially uninterrupted surface, when theconduit support 10 is oriented as shown in FIGS. 1-3A. In particular,arrow “G” illustrates the force of gravity. Also, as can be seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, no portion of the first member 12 protrudes laterallyoutwardly along plane A-A beyond the second member 14. In addition,fasteners 22 may be sized such that no portion of the fasteners 22extends laterally outwardly along plane H-H beyond the first member 12.Fastener gaskets 26, which also may be fabricated from the materialcomprising gasket 17 or other suitable material, may be utilized betweenfasteners 22 and first member 12 to establish an uninterrupted surfaceand a seal between the fastener 22 and the first member 12, thuspreventing the inadvertent infiltration or accumulation of dirt ordebris in bores 22. In addition, washers 24 can be utilized forproviding a bearing surface between the heads of fasteners 22 and thefastener gaskets 26. It will be appreciated that when employed,fasteners 22 and fastener gaskets 26 also do not outwardly protrudebeyond first member 12. Further, a silicone sealing compound, or asimilar substance, could be implemented either in combination with thewashers 24 and fastener gaskets 26 or may be used as an alternative toachieve a seal between the heads of fasteners 22 and the first member12.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of second member 14 may begenerally convex and smooth in texture, generally anywhere from about a100 RA finish to about a 5 RA finish, and may be fabricated from, forexample, steel, stainless steel, plastics, polymers, rubber, etc. Thesmooth finish on the upper surface avoids the existence of recesses,crevasses and other areas that may encourage the accumulation of dust,dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. The smoother the finish, i.e. 5 RA,the fewer places on the upper surface of the second member 14 that suchcontaminants may accumulate. This smooth texture may also beaccomplished by utilizing coatings on the surfaces such as, for example,chrome plating, plastics, etc. This configuration defines asubstantially uninterrupted curved convex outer surface having virtuallyno horizontally extending portion which could permit the accumulation ofdust, dirt, debris, etc. due to gravity when the second member 14 iscoupled to the first member 12 and oriented, for example, as shown inFIG. 2. More specifically, the upper surface may be arcuately shaped asshown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This shape provides a curved surface about acentral axis J-J that extends through a center point 103 (FIG. 2) and aradial axis K-K that extends radially about center point 103. The upperarcuate surface of second member 14 may generally abut the rounded outersurfaces of first member 12 when supporting a conduit 101. See FIG. 1.As can also be seen in the Figures, the upper surface of second member14 may face opposite to the direction of the influence of gravity(represented by the arrow “G” in FIG. 3). Thus, when errant particles ordebris fall toward the ground, the upper convex surface due to its shapeand texture does not afford a surface upon which dirt, debris, etc. mayaccumulate.

In one embodiment, an apex area 30 may protrude from the upper surfaceof the second member 14. The apex area 30 may define an installationaxis B-B that extends through center point 103 and may be substantiallyperpendicular to plane A-A as shown in FIG. 3. As indicated above, thesupport member 16 may be threadably secured to the second member 14 byscrewing a threaded end 36 of the support member 16 into a threaded bore33 provided in the apex area 30. (See FIG. 3A). In one embodiment, agasket 28 may be provided between the support member 16 and apex area 30of the second member 14. Gasket 28 may be fabricated from the materialforming gasket 17, or other suitable material such as, for example,elastomers. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the upper portion 27 of thesupport member 16 may be configured for attachment to a supportstructure 100. In one embodiment, the upper portion 27 of the supportmember 16 may be provided with a threaded bore 23 for receiving athreaded fastener 25 therein. However, the support member 16 may beattached to a support structure 100 through other suitable fastenerarrangements such as, for example by welding, gluing, all-thread incombination with a nut, etc.

The conduit 101, shown in shadow in FIG. 1, may be sealingly supportedby the conduit support 10 in the conduit area as illustrated. As can beseen in FIG. 3, a grommet 18 may be cradled within the conduit area,formed by corresponding conduit-receiving areas 13, 15 in the firstmember 12 and the second member 14, respectively, to establish a sealbetween the conduit 101 and the support 10. A seal may be desirable inapplications wherein the conduit support 10 acts more like a clamp forrigid support of a conduit 101. In one embodiment, the grommet 18 may befabricated from resilient material such as, for example, rubber,Silicone, Nitrile, Buna N, or the like and have a slit 19 therein tofacilitate easy installation of the grommet 18 over the conduit 101 asshown. It will also be appreciated that grommet 18 could be fabricatedwithout the slit 19 and slid over an end of the conduit 101 prior toinstallation of conduit 101. The grommet 18 may be further sealed withSilicone sealing compounds or the like.

However, some applications require that the conduit 101 be capable oflateral movement wherein the conduit 101 is permitted some movementwithin the conduit support 10 while being supported and wherein theconduit support 10 acts more like a hanger. In these embodiments, thegrommet 18 may be fabricated from more rigid material such as, forexample, polymeric material (e.g. polyetherimide), Ultem or the like.Such applications may further require some radial clearance between thegrommet 18 and the conduit to allow for expansion and movement of theconduit 101 supported due to heat expansion or other causes. See FIG. 1.In addition, the grommet 18 may be fabricated in multiple pieces and maybe fabricated in a desired color, for example blue, designated as 109 inFIG. 1 to assist in identifying properties of the conduit 101 or thetype of matter being transported by the conduit 101.

Although not required, using a grommet 18 may be beneficial as the fluidcarried in the conduit 101 may cause the conduit 101 to changetemperatures relative to the conduit support 10. Therefore, utilizing agrommet 18 may prevent condensation due to, for example, directmetal-to-metal contact of the conduit 101 and the conduit support 10wherein there are temperature differences between the conduit 101 andthe conduit support 10.

The implementation of grommet 18 may additionally allow for differingsizes of conduit 101 to be supported with the use of a thicker orthinner grommet 18. Thus, the conduit support 10 may be able to supporta wide variety of differently sized conduits 101 as the grommet 18 maybe thicker or thinner to accommodate the size of the conduit 101 to besupported.

To install the conduit 101 within the support 10, the lower or firstmember 12 may be detached from the upper or second member 14 by removingfasteners 22. The grommet 18 may then be installed around a portion ofthe conduit 101 (if the grommet 18 is one piece), or the portions of thegrommet 18 may be cradled in the conduit-receiving areas 13, 15 if thegrommet 18 is of multiple-piece construction. The grommet 18 and conduit101 may be supported within the conduit area of the conduit-receivingareas 13, 15 when the fasteners 22 are reinstalled to clamp the grommet18 and conduit 101 between the first member 12 and the second member 14as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Another conduit support 110 of the present invention is illustrated inFIGS. 4-5, which may utilize a single fastener 122 and a hinge 129.Hinge 129 may comprise a pin, about which the second member 114 maypivot relative to the first member 112. Arrow “L” in FIGS. 5 and 7illustrate the manner in which the first member 112 may pivot relativeto the second member 114. The apex area 130 may define an installationaxis B′-B′ as shown in FIG. 5. The support member 116 may be threadablysecured to the second member 114 by screwing a threaded end 136 of thesupport member 116 into a threaded bore 133 provided in the apex area130. However, other fastener arrangements could be employed as discussedherein. Further, other variations of the hinge 129 may be implementedwhile remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.Support member 116 may also be constructed in a variety of other mannersand configurations such as, for example, those illustrated in FIGS.24-26A.

In this embodiment, the first member 112 may be so configured such thatit does not protrude laterally beyond the outer surfaces of secondmember 114 and such that no portion of the first member 112 formssurfaces which could accumulate errant dust, dirt, debris, etc. when theconduit support 110 is oriented as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. That is, noportion of the first member 112 protrudes outwardly along a plane ofjoinder A′-A′ beyond the second member 114 such that an uninterruptedsurface is formed between the first member 112 and the second member114.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of second member 114 may begenerally convex and smooth in texture, generally anywhere from about a100 RA finish to about a 5 RA finish, and may be fabricated from, forexample, steel, stainless steel, plastics, polymers, rubber, etc. Thesmooth finish on the upper surface avoids the existence of recesses,crevasses and other areas that may encourage the accumulation of dust,dirt, debris, cleaning fluids, etc. The smoother the finish, i.e. 5 RA,the fewer places on the upper surface of the second member 114 that suchcontaminants may accumulate. This smooth texture may also beaccomplished by utilizing coatings on the surfaces such as, for example,chrome plating, plastics, etc. This configuration defines asubstantially uninterrupted curved convex surface having virtually nohorizontally extending surfaces which could permit the accumulation ofdust, dirt, debris, etc. due to gravity (arrow “G”) when oriented asshown in FIG. 5. More specifically, the upper surface may be arcuatelyshaped as shown in the FIGS. 4 and 5. This shape provides a curvedsurface about a central axis J′-J′ that extends through a center point103′ and a radial axis K′-K′ that extends radially about center point103′. The upper arcuate surface of second member 114 may generally abutthe rounded portion of first member 112 when supporting a conduit. Ascan be seen in the Figures, the upper surface of second member 114 mayface opposite to the direction of the pull of gravity (represented bythe arrow “G” in FIG. 5) and may have an apex area 130 protrudingtherefrom. Thus, when errant particles or debris fall toward the ground,the upper convex surface due to its shape and texture does not afford asurface upon which dirt, debris, etc. may accumulate.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show another embodiment of the present invention having asnap fastener 171 of the conduit support 170, rather than a fastener 122of conduit support 110. The snap fastener 171 is shown in FIG. 7 havinga latch on the first member 112 that engages a recess on second member114. The remaining structure of conduit support 170 is much the same asillustrated in FIGS. 4-5, which are described above. Although the snapfastener 171 is illustrated having a single self-locking snap fastener171, other embodiments may be implemented while remaining within thespirit and scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a modular conduit support 200 assembly embodimentof the present invention. Illustrated are three conduit supports 208,209 and 210, positioned in a stacked configuration, although two or moremodular conduit supports may be used in this manner. As can be seen inthe Figures, a first modular conduit support 208 may be attached toanother modular conduit support 209, which may then be attached to athird conduit support 210 and so on. The third conduit support 210 mayhave a first member 212 and a second member 214 much like the previouslydescribed embodiments. However, the first modular conduit support 208may be equipped with a third member 234, similar in structure andfunction with first member 212 in relation to supporting a conduit 101.Third member 234 may, however, additionally have a threaded bore 240 toattach to another modular conduit support 209 or third conduit support210 by way of an interconnection member 290 such as a threaded rod orthe like, or other suitable fastening arrangement such as, for example,welding, gluing, etc. The interconnection member 290 connects apex area230 of third conduit support 210 to the third member 234 of anothermodular conduit support 209. Likewise, another interconnection member290 connects apex area 230 of another modular conduit support 209 to thethird member 234 of first modular conduit support 208. The threaded bore240 of another modular conduit support 209 may define an installationaxis B″-B″ as shown in FIG. 10. In one embodiment, gasket 228 may beprovided between the third members 234 and the second members 214 asshown in FIG. 10. When the modular arrangement is provided, severalconduits 101 (not shown) may be supported simultaneously and mayadditionally be supported in varying substantially parallel directions.Thus, depending upon their orientations, conduits 101 (not shown) can besupported such that they may be on planes parallel to each other butalso be oriented at angles relative to each other.

In this embodiment, much like the first embodiment disclosed, the firstmember 212 may be so configured such that it does not protrude laterallybeyond the outer surfaces of second member 214 of the third conduitsupport 210 when it is attached thereto. Likewise, third member 234 ofanother modular conduit support 209 may not protrude laterally beyondthe outer surfaces of the second member 214 thereof. Similarly, thethird member 234 of the first modular conduit support 208 may notprotrude laterally beyond the second member 214 thereof. Thus, sucharrangements prevent the accumulation of errant dust, dirt, debris, etc.between the various components of the conduit supports 208, 209, 210when the conduit support 200 assembly is oriented as shown in FIGS.8-10, having a substantially uninterrupted surface.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of second member 214 may begenerally convex and smooth in texture, generally anywhere from about a100 RA finish to about a 5 RA finish, and may be fabricated from, forexample, steel, stainless steel, plastics, polymers, rubber, etc. Thesmooth finish on the upper surface prevents recesses, crevasses andother areas that may encourage the accumulation of dust, dirt, debris,cleaning fluid, etc. The smoother the finish, i.e. 5 RA, the fewerplaces on the upper surface of the second member 214 that suchcontaminants may accumulate. This smooth texture may also beaccomplished by utilizing coatings on the surfaces such as, for example,chrome plating, plastics, etc. This configuration defines asubstantially uninterrupted curved convex surface having virtually nohorizontal surface whereupon dust, dirt, debris, etc. may accumulate dueto gravity. More specifically, the upper surface may be arcuatelyshaped. This shape provides a curved surface about a central axis J″-J″that extends through a center point 203 and a radial axis K″-K″ thatextends radially about center point 203. The upper arcuate surface ofsecond member 214 may generally abut the rounded portion of first member212 when supporting a conduit. As can be seen in the drawings, the uppersurface of second member 214 may face opposite to the direction of thepull of gravity (represented by the arrow “G” in FIG. 10) and may havean apex area 230 protruding therefrom. Thus, when errant particles ordebris under the influence of gravity fall toward the ground, the upperconvex surface due to its shape and texture does not afford a surfaceupon which dirt, debris, etc. may accumulate.

FIGS. 11-13 depict a modular conduit support 307 of the presentinvention, which may be telescopingly mounted to a telescoping support380. The modular conduit support 307 may include a third member 334 andan upper member 315. The upper member 315 may be releasably connected tothe third member 334 by fasteners 322. In one embodiment, fasteners 322may have “acorn” heads to minimize any flat surfaces that may trap oraccumulate dust and debris. The modular conduit support 307 may besecured to support structures 100, such as a floor, joists, rafters,etc.

In this embodiment, the third member 334 may be so shaped and configuredso as to not protrude laterally beyond the outer surfaces of uppermember 315 along a plane D-D when it is attached thereto. Sucharrangement prevents the formation of surfaces which might accumulateerrant dust, dirt, debris, etc. when the modular conduit support 307 isoriented as shown in FIGS. 11-13. Thus the surface of the modularconduit support 307 is substantially uninterrupted by recesses or otherdepressions.

Also in this embodiment, telescoping support 380 may comprise a firstsupport member 386, second support member 387, a support channel 388 anda base member 389. In one embodiment, modular conduit support 307 may besupported by support channel 388 such that rotation of the modularconduit support 307 is prevented. As can be seen in the Figures, supportchannel 388 may overlap and abut a portion of third member 334 such thatwhen third member 334 is coupled to first support member 386, supportchannel 388 may prevent rotation of third member 334. A threaded bore340 may be provided in modular conduit support 307 and may define aninstallation axis C-C as shown in FIG. 13. The third member 334 of themodular conduit support 307 may be threadably secured to the firsttelescoping member 386 by a threaded screw 390 to secure it to thetelescoping support 380. However, other fastener arrangements could beemployed such as a fixed or welded connection between third member 334and first telescoping member 386. FIG. 13 further illustrates how firstsupport member 386 may be coupled together with second support member387 in a telescoping fashion such that first support member 386 can beadjusted vertically with respect to second support member 387 andretained in such position by set screws (not shown) or other retainingarrangements. Base member 389 may be secured to support structures 100,such as a floor, joists, walls or rafters, by appropriate fasteningarrangements such as by fasteners 330 extending through holes 360 in thebase member 389 or by other suitable means such as, for example,welding, gluing, clamping, etc. Telescoping support 380 could also beconstructed with tubular members to allow for rotation of modularconduit support 307 relative to the telescoping support 380.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of second member 315 may begenerally convex and smooth in texture, generally anywhere from about a100 RA finish to about a 5 RA finish, and may be fabricated from, forexample, steel, stainless steel, plastics, polymers, rubber, etc. Thesmooth finish on the upper surface prevents recesses, crevasses andother areas that may encourage the accumulation of dust, dirt, debris,etc. The smoother the finish, i.e. 5 RA, the fewer places on the uppersurface of the second member 315 that such contaminants may accumulate.This smooth texture may also be accomplished by utilizing coatings onthe surfaces such as, for example, chrome plating, plastics, etc. Thisconfiguration defines a substantially uninterrupted curved convexsurface having virtually no horizontally extending surfaces which couldpermit the accumulation of dust, dirt, debris, etc. due to gravity. Morespecifically, the upper surface may be arcuately shaped as shown in theFIGS. 11-13. This shape provides a curved surface about a central axisP-P that extends through a center point 303 and a radial axis Q-Q thatextends radially about center point 303. The upper arcuate surface ofsecond member 315 may generally abut the rounded portion of third member334 when supporting conduit. As can also be seen in the Figures, theupper surface of second member 315 may face opposite to the direction ofthe pull of gravity (represented by the arrow “G” in FIG. 13). Thus,when errant particles or debris under the influence of gravity falltoward the ground, the upper convex surface does not afford a surfaceupon which dirt, debris, etc. may accumulate.

FIGS. 14-16 illustrate another embodiment of a modular conduit support507, which may be mounted to a telescoping support 590. The modularconduit support 507 may include a third member 534 and an upper member515. The upper member 515 may be releasably connected to the thirdmember 534 by fasteners 522, or other fastening arrangements discussedherein. In one embodiment, fasteners 522 may have “acorn” heads tominimize any flat surfaces that may trap or accumulate dust and debris.The modular conduit support 507 may be secured to support structures100, such as a floor, joists, rafters, etc.

In this embodiment, the third member 534 may be so shaped and configuredso as to not protrude laterally beyond the outer surfaces of uppermember 515 along a plane D′-D′ when it is attached thereto. Sucharrangement allows for an uninterrupted surface that prevents formationof recesses or surfaces that might accumulate errant dust, dirt, debris,etc. when the modular conduit support 507 is oriented as shown in FIGS.14-16. Thus the surface of the modular conduit support 507 issubstantially uninterrupted by recesses.

This embodiment also has a telescoping support 590 that may comprise afirst support member 516, second support member 587, a sleeve supportmember 585, a cap member 583 and a base member 589. In one embodiment,modular conduit support 507 may be supported by a threaded engagementwith first support member 516. As can be seen in the Figures, firstsupport member 516 is affixed to cap member 583 that overlaps a portionof first support member 516 such that an uninterrupted surface is formedto prevent the accumulation of errant dust, dirt, debris, etc. Capmember 583 is thus fitted inside for telescoping engagement with sleevesupport member 585 such that the surfaces that abut are substantiallyuninterrupted. Sleeve support member 585 is then positioned about theouter edges of second support member 587 in a telescoping fashion. Eachof the connections between the telescoping members 583, 585, 587 may besecured together by set screws, clamps, etc. (not shown) for easyadjustment. Once the telescoping support 590 is adjusted vertically intoa desired position, set screws, clamps, etc. (not shown) could hold thetelescoping members 583, 585, 587 in place while a more permanent meansfor attaching them may be implemented such as, for example, bolting,welding, gluing, etc.

A threaded bore 540 may be provided in modular conduit support 507 andmay define an installation axis C′-C′ as shown in FIG. 16. The thirdmember 534 of the modular conduit support 507 may be threadably securedto the first support member 516, which is connected to the telescopingsupport 590. However, other fastener arrangements could be employed suchas a fixed or welded connection between third member 534 and firstsupport member 516.

Base member 589 may be secured to support structures 100, such as afloor, joists, walls or rafters, by appropriate fastening arrangementssuch as by fasteners 530 extending through holes 560 in the base member589 or by other suitable means such as, for example, welding, gluing,clamping, etc. Telescoping support 590 could also be constructed withtubular members to allow for rotation of modular conduit support 507relative to the telescoping support 590.

In one embodiment, the upper surface of second member 515 may begenerally convex and smooth in texture, generally anywhere from about a100 RA finish to about a 5 RA finish, and may be fabricated from, forexample, steel, stainless steel, plastics, polymers, rubber, etc. Thesmooth finish on the upper surface prevents recesses, crevasses andother areas that may encourage the accumulation of dust, dirt, debris,cleaning fluid, etc. The smoother the finish, i.e. 5 RA, the fewerplaces on the upper surface of the second member 515 that suchcontaminants may accumulate. This smooth texture may also beaccomplished by utilizing coatings on the surfaces such as, for example,chrome plating, plastics, etc. This configuration defines asubstantially uninterrupted curved convex surface having virtually nohorizontally extending surfaces which could permit the accumulation ofdust, dirt, debris, etc. due to gravity. More specifically, the uppersurface may be arcuately shaped as shown in the Figures. This shapeprovides a central axis R-R that extends through a center point 503 anda radial axis S-S that extends radially about center point 503. Theupper arcuate surface of second member 515 may generally abut therounded outer surfaces of third member 534 when supporting conduit. Ascan also be seen in the Figures, the upper surface of second member 515may face opposite to the direction of the pull of gravity (representedby the arrow “G” in FIG. 16). Thus, when errant particles or debrisunder the influence of gravity fall toward the ground, the upper convexsurface due to its shape and texture does not afford a surface uponwhich dirt, debris, etc. may accumulate.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.17-19. This embodiment may include a plurality of conduit supports 410that are coupled to modular conduit supports 407 which are supported onconduit support assembly 500. In one embodiment, conduit supportassembly 500 may simply comprise a length of conduit 502, or other pipe,etc. (which may be solid or hollow, round, square or otherwise) that issupported between a pair of stand off members 504. In one embodiment,the stand off members 504 may comprise a cap member 506 that has a bore508 therein sized to receive the end of the conduit 502 as shown. Theterminal ends 510 of the cap members 506 may be substantiallyfrusto-conically shaped such that when the standoff members 504 aresuspended from a support structure 100, no substantially horizontalsurface is presented where errant dust, dirt or debris, etc. mayaccumulate due to gravity. In one embodiment, each cap member 506 may beattached to a support structure 100 by stand off members 504. Terminalends 510 may also be threadably secured to cap member 506 to allow forremoval of terminal ends 510. Stand off members 504 may be integrallyformed with their respective cap members 506 or otherwise attachedthereto by, for example, welding, gluing, etc. Stand off members 504 mayalso be releasably attached with their respective cap members 506 orotherwise attached thereto by, for example, threads, snap-locks, etc.Each stand off member 504 may have a standoff base 532 that has at leastone fastener hole 560 for receiving a fastener 530 therethrough to affixthe standoff base 532 to the support structure 100. In otherembodiments, standoff members 504 may be fastened to support structure100 by a myriad of other methods such as welding, gluing, etc.

As can be seen in FIG. 19, the standoff members 504 may serve to orientthe cap members 506 and conduit 502 in a spaced-apart relationshiprelative to the support structure 100 such that modular conduit supports407 may be received on conduit 502 as shown. It will be appreciated thatstandoff members 504 may be of varying lengths and may be shaped invarious configurations, such as for example hollow tubes, telescopingmembers, etc.

In this embodiment, a plurality of modular conduit supports 407 may bemounted on conduit 502 as shown. As discussed with respect to otherembodiments, fasteners 422 may be utilized to secure the first and thirdmembers 415, 434 together around conduit 502. When modular conduitsupport 407 is secured to support structure 500, conduit support 410 maythen be secured to modular conduit support 407 by an interconnectingmember 430 or other fastener. Apex area 430 of second member 414 of aconduit support 410 may be threaded, similar to apex area 230, toreleasably couple to third member 434. In a similar fashion, thirdmember 434 may be threaded, similar to third member 234, to releasablycouple to apex area 430. First members 412 may then be coupled to secondmembers 414 to support conduits 601 in the manners described above andas illustrated in FIG. 20.

In one embodiment, the upper surfaces of second members 414, 415 may begenerally convex and smooth in texture, generally anywhere from about a100 RA finish to about a 5 RA finish, and may be fabricated from, forexample, steel, stainless steel, plastics, polymers, rubber, etc. Thesmooth finish on the upper surface prevents recesses, crevasses andother areas that may encourage the accumulation of dust, dirt, debris,cleaning fluids, etc. The smoother the finish, i.e. 5 RA, the fewerplaces on the upper surfaces of second members 414, 415 that suchcontaminants may accumulate. This smooth texture may also beaccomplished by utilizing coatings on the surfaces such as, for example,chrome plating, plastics, etc. This configuration defines asubstantially uninterrupted curved convex outer surface having virtuallyno horizontally extending portion that would permit the accumulation ofdust, dirt, debris, etc. due to gravity when the second members 414, 415are coupled to the first and third members 412, 434. More specifically,each upper surface may be arcuately shaped as shown in FIGS. 17-20. Thisshape provides a curved surface about central axes T-T, for conduitsupport 410, and T′-T′, for modular conduit support 407, that extendthrough center points 403, 403′, respectively, and radial axes U-U,U′-U′, respectively, that extend radially about the center points 403,403′, respectively. The upper arcuate surfaces of second members 414,415 may generally abut the outer surfaces of first members 412, 434 whensupporting conduit 601. As can be seen in the Figures, the uppersurfaces of second members 414, 415 may face opposite to the directionof the pull of gravity (represented by the arrow “G” in FIG. 19). Secondmembers 414 may additionally have apex areas 430 protruding therefrom tofacilitate attachment to the modular conduit supports 407 in the mannerdescribed above. Thus, when errant particles or debris under theinfluence of gravity fall toward the ground, the upper convex surfacedue to its shape and texture does not afford a surface upon which dirt,debris, etc. may accumulate.

As shown in FIG. 20, conduit supports 410 may be oriented in differentdirections from each other and different distances from conduit 502.Thus, the conduits 601 may be oriented in differing directions. As canbe seen in FIG. 20, a support member 416 may be positioned between apexarea 430 and third member 434. The support member 416 may provideadditional clearance for conduit support 410 such that the conduits 601do not intersect one another. Support member 416 may be provided in amyriad of lengths and in many differing orientations. To facilitate sucharrangements, the support members 416 may be constructed in a variety ofmanners and configurations.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention.This embodiment may include a plurality of modular conduit supports 607which are supported on conduit support assembly 600. In one embodiment,conduit support assembly 600 may simply comprise a length of squareconduit 602, or other pipe, bar, etc. (which may be solid or hollow,round, square or otherwise) that is supported between a pair of standoff members 604. The stand off members 604 may have a cylindricalsupport member 606 that is sized to receive the end of the conduit 602as shown. Conduit 602 may be slidably coupled to support member 606 andgenerally held in desired position by set screws 639. Therefore, theconduit system illustrated in FIGS. 21-23 is capable of repositioningwhile the set screws 639 are loosened as desired.

Once the conduit 602 is in a desired position as secured by the setscrews 639, the conduit 602 may be permanently affixed to support member606 by bolting a threaded stud (not shown) with fasteners 633 such thatno threads are exposed. Other ways to secure the support member 606 toconduit 602 may be provided such as, for example, bolting, welding,gluing, etc. The cap members 610 may be rounded in shape such that whenthe standoff members 604 are attached to a support structure 100, nosubstantially horizontal surface is presented where errant dust, dirt ordebris, etc. may accumulate due to gravity. In one embodiment, eachsupport member 606 is attached to the stand off members 604, which isattached to a base 632 that may be attached to a support structure 100by bolting, welding, gluing, etc. Base 632 may also be affixed to asupport structure 100 in a myriad of other ways without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Cap members 610 may also bethreadably secured to conduit 602 to allow for removal or replacement ofcap members 610. Stand off members 604 may be integrally formed withtheir respective support members 606 or otherwise attached thereto by,for example, welding, gluing, etc. Stand off members 604 may also bereleasably attached with their respective support members 606 orotherwise attached thereto by, for example, welding, threads,snap-locks, etc. Support member 606 may also be a single cast portionincorporating stand off member 604 and base 632.

As can be seen in FIG. 23, the standoff members 604 may serve to orientthe support members 606 and conduit 602 in a spaced-apart relationshiprelative to the support structure 100 such that modular conduit supports607 may be received on conduit 602 as shown. It will be appreciated thatstandoff members 604 may be of varying lengths and may be shaped invarious configurations, such as for example hollow tubes, telescopingmembers, etc.

In this embodiment, a plurality of modular conduit supports 607 may bemounted on conduit 602 as shown. Fasteners 625 may be utilized to securethe third members 634 together with conduit 602. When modular conduitsupport 607 is secured to support structure 600, interconnection member630 may be secured to the conduit 602 by a threaded engagement or otherfastening means. The lower portion of third member 634 of the modularconduit support 607 may be threaded to releasably couple to the conduit602. Between the interconnection member 630 and the third member 634, astabilizing plate 638 may be employed. The plate 638 may have roundededges to prevent the accumulation of dust, dirt, debris, etc.

In one embodiment, the upper surfaces of second members 615 may begenerally convex and smooth in texture, generally anywhere from about a100 RA finish to about a 5 RA finish, and may be fabricated from, forexample, steel, stainless steel, plastics, polymers, rubber, etc. Thesmooth finish on the upper surface prevents recesses, crevasses andother areas that may encourage the accumulation of dust, dirt, debris,cleaning fluids, etc. The smoother the finish, i.e. 5 RA, the fewerplaces on the upper surfaces of second members 615 where suchcontaminants may accumulate. This smooth texture may also beaccomplished by utilizing coatings on the surfaces such as, for example,chrome plating, plastics, etc. This configuration defines asubstantially uninterrupted curved convex outer surface having virtuallyno horizontally extending portion which could permit the accumulation ofdust, dirt, debris, etc. due to gravity when the second members 615 arecoupled to the third members 634. More specifically, each upper surfacemay be arcuately shaped as shown in FIGS. 21-23. This shape provides acurved surface about a central axis V-V that extends through a centerpoint 603 and a radial axis W-W that extends radially about center point603. The upper arcuate surfaces of second members 615 may generally abutthe rounded outer surfaces of third members 634 when supporting conduit.As can be seen in the Figures, the upper surfaces of second members 415may face opposite to the direction of the pull of gravity orperpendicular to the direction of gravity (represented by the arrow “G”in FIG. 23). Thus, when errant particles or debris under the influenceof gravity fall toward the ground, the upper rounded surfaces of modularconduit support 607 and support structure 600 do not afford a surfaceupon which dirt, debris, etc. may accumulate.

FIGS. 24-26A illustrate another embodiment of the present inventionwhich includes a conduit support 710 comprising a support member 716that is releasably secured to a second member 714 on one end and isreleasably secured to a support structure 100 by nut 725 on the oppositeend. The support member 716 may have a threaded end 736 that is sized tobe threadedly received in a threaded bore 733 in the second member 714.In addition, a sloping seal 728 fabricated from silicone or othersuitable sealant may be employed to establish a seal between supportmember 716 and second member 714. It will be appreciated that, exceptfor the support member 716 and the sloping seal 728, the remainingstructure of conduit support 710 is much the same as the conduit support10 described above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3A. The support member 716utilizes the sloping seal 728 so that an uninterrupted surface can beprovided that prevents the accumulation of errant dust, dirt, debris,cleaning fluids, etc. Although FIGS. 24-26A disclose a threadedengagement between the support structure 100 and the support member 716,other fastening means may be used such as, for example, welding, gluing,etc. Although support member 716 is shown in a straight verticalfashion, other embodiments may be implemented while remaining within thespirit and scope of the present invention such as, for example a curvedshape or other configuration to avoid other pipe or obstacles.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 27,which shows the insulating of a conduit support 10 that is supporting apipe 101. FIG. 27 illustrates the new method of insulation, which ismade possible when used in combination with the present invention. Ascan be seen in the drawing, only one separation is required in theinsulation 997 wherein it surrounds the entire conduit support 10 andthe conduit 101. This is made possible because of the sanitary natureand design of the conduit support 10. The insulation 997 is separatedabout a single seam located generally about the outer circumference ofthe conduit support 10 which allows access to the fasteners 22 of theconduit support through the seam. This method is clearly advantageousover the prior methods as the entire conduit support 10 may be enclosedwithin the insulation 997 without losing the sanitary properties of thecombination and further only requiring a single cut in the insulation toaccommodate access to the conduit support 10. Having the entire conduitsupport 10 thus enclosed in insulation 997 increases the sanitary natureof the combination and the insulating efficiency due to the lack ofprotruding conduit supporting structures.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described herein foruse with generally known threaded connection members, i.e. threadedfasteners and threaded bores. These embodiments of the present inventioncould be successfully employed with a myriad of other types of fastenersand connecting members between the supports, conduit supports or othermodular conduit supports without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention such as, for example, welding, gluing, clamping,etc. One example of another fastener is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7discussed above, utilizing self-locking snap fasteners to secure portionof the conduit support together. Other examples may include a dovetailarrangement wherein abutting portions of the conduit support connect viaa male dovetail notch being received in a female dovetail slot withsecuring means such as, for example, a set screw. In addition, a keyedarrangement could be utilized wherein two abutting portions cometogether with a dual dove tailed key placed between the two in thefemale receiving slots and secured with, for example, a set screw. Onesuch other embodiment may provide, for example, a pair of spring loadedsnaps positioned flush on the outer front and rear surface of the firstmember 112 that self-lock flush into the outer front and rear surfacesof second member 114. Thus, the scope of protection afforded to theseembodiments of the present invention are not limited to use with thespecific types of fasteners illustrated in the Figures.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described herein foruse in connection with conventional conduit of the type depicted inshadow in FIG. 1. The skilled artisan will readily appreciate, however,that these embodiments of the present invention could be successfullyemployed with a myriad of other types of conduit, pipes, bars andmaterials without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Thus, the scope of protection afford to these embodiments ofthe present invention is not limited to use in connection with thespecific type of conduit support depicted in the Figures. Othercombinations of conduit supports described herein, although notillustrated in the drawings, are within the scope of the presentinvention.

The embodiments of the present invention represent significantimprovements over prior pipe hanging devices. Due to its sanitarynature, the present invention is well suited for use by manufacturers ofgoods requiring such an environment. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill, of course, appreciate that various changes in the details,materials and arrangement of parts which have been herein described andillustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention may be madeby the skilled artisan within the principle and scope of the inventionas expressed in the appended claims.

1. Apparatus for supporting a plurality of conduits relative to asupport structure, said apparatus comprising: an elongated supportmember supported relative to said support structure; and a plurality ofconduit support members attached to said elongated support member, atleast one said conduit support members comprising: a first membercoupled to said elongated support member and having a firstconduit-receiving area; and a second member having a substantiallyuninterrupted upper surface, the upper surface being convex about acentral axis and convex about an axis that extends perpendicular to thecentral axis, said second member being coupled to said first member,said second member having a second conduit-receiving area thatcooperates with said first conduit-receiving area in said first memberto establish a conduit area in said conduit support member when saidfirst and second members are coupled together, said first member beingsized and shaped relative to said second member such that no portion ofsaid first member protrudes laterally beyond the uninterrupted convexsurface of said second member when said first and second members arecoupled together.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said elongatedsupport member is attached to said support structure by at least oneattachment member, said at least one attachment member movablysupporting said elongated support member therein such that saidelongated support member may be selectively laterally positionedrelative to the support structure and thereafter retained in a desiredposition.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said at least oneattachment member comprises: a stand off member having a cylindricalsupport member for slidably receiving said elongated support membertherein; and at least one set screw for selectively retaining theelongated support member in said desired position.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said elongated support member has two ends and whereinsaid apparatus further comprises a cap member on each said end of saidelongated support member, each said cap member having a frusto-conicalend portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein one of said conduitsupport members supports a first conduit having a first axis and whereinone other of said conduit support members supports a second conduithaving a second axis such that said first and second axes extendsubstantially parallel to each other.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1wherein one of said conduit support members supports a first conduitthat has a first axis and wherein another one of said conduit supportmembers supports a second conduit having a second axis such that saidfirst and second axes are substantially transverse to each other.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein one of said conduit support memberssupports a first conduit that has a first diameter and wherein anotherone of said conduit support members supports a second conduit that has asecond diameter that differs from said first diameter.
 8. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said first and second members of at least one saidconduit support members are releasably coupled together by at least onefastener.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising at least oneseal between said first member and said at least one fastener.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said first and second members of at leastone said conduit support member are coupled together by a hinge.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one seal within saidconduit area of at least one said conduit support member.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one seal between saidfirst and second members of at least one said conduit support member.13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seal within saidconduit area of at least one said conduit support member.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 13 wherein said seal comprises a grommet having ahole therethrough for receiving a portion of a conduit therein.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein said hole in said grommet is sizedrelative to a conduit to be supported therein to provide a radialclearance between the conduit and the grommet.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 14 wherein said grommet is fabricated from rigid material.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 14 wherein said grommet is fabricated in multiplepieces.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said grommet has a colorthat is used to indicate a type of fluid flowing through the conduit.19. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said grommet is made from athermal insulation material.
 20. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein theseal is selected from a group of interchangeable grommets wherein eachsaid grommet has a conduit-receiving hole therethrough that is sized toreceive a particular size of conduit therethrough.
 21. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising means on at least one of said conduit supportmembers for identifying a type of fluid flowing through a conduitsupported thereby.
 22. Apparatus for supporting at least one conduitrelative to a support structure, said apparatus comprising: an elongatedsupport member supported relative to said support structure; at leastone first conduit support member comprising: a first lower member; and afirst upper member coupled to said first lower member such that aportion of said elongated support member is clamped therebetween, saidfirst upper member having a substantially uninterrupted first uppersurface, the first upper surface being convex about a first central axisand convex about an axis that extends perpendicular to the first centralaxis, said first lower member being sized and shaped relative to saidfirst upper member such that no portion of said first lower memberprotrudes laterally beyond the uninterrupted first upper surface of saidfirst upper member when said first upper member is coupled to said firstlower member; at least one second conduit support member comprising: asecond upper member attached to said first lower member and having asecond upper conduit-receiving area therein and a substantiallyuninterrupted convex second upper surface; and a second lower memberreleasably coupled to said second upper member, said second lower memberhaving a second lower conduit-receiving area that cooperates with saidsecond upper conduit-receiving area in said second upper member toestablish a second conduit area in said second conduit support memberwhen said second upper member and said second lower member are coupledtogether, said second lower member being sized and shaped relative tosaid second upper member such that no portion of said second lowermember protrudes laterally beyond the second upper surface portions ofsaid second upper member when said second lower member and said secondupper member are coupled together.